Chinese smartphone vendor Oppo has officially launched its latest operating system, ColorOS 16, and introduced a comprehensive new artificial intelligence strategy, as it works to beef up its research and development capabilities amid intensified competition.

"AI will make ColorOS better," Tang Kai, president of software engineering at Oppo, said. "Based on a new technical architecture of 'new computing, new perception, and new ecosystem', ColorOS 16 will deliver more imaginative AI experiences to users."

The company's latest AI strategy rests on three technological pillars — On-device Compute, PersonaX, and Agent Matrix. On-device Compute enables powerful local AI processing with a peak performance of 300 tokens per second. PersonaX is a user-centric multi-modal memory engine that builds a lifelong, understanding AI companion. Agent Matrix is an agent ecosystem framework that allows for complex task planning and cross-device collaboration.

These technologies power new features. The enhanced AI Flash Note can now remember everything from texts and videos to meal codes and expenses, Oppo said, adding that its open platform now offers a streamlined "One-Click Global Deployment" service, allowing developers to publish their apps directly to 108 countries and regions covered by Oppo's services.

Global market consultancy group, International Data Corp, forecasts that global AI phone shipments will surge to 827 million units by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate of 100.7 percent from 2023 to 2027.